OCCULT FRACTURES OF THE SCAPHOID - THE DIAGNOSTIC USEFULNESS AND INDIRECT ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS OF RADIOGRAPHY VERSUS MAGNETIC-RESONANCE SCANNING

Scaphoid fractures that are not visible on initial radiographs are not oriously difficult to diagnose, This prospective study compared four-v iew plain radiography at an average of 14 days after injury, with high -definition macroradiography and magnetic resonance imaging at present ation. Initial magnetic resonance imaging was superior to repeat scaph oid radiography for the conformation or exclusion of fractures as well as for the detection of associated wrist injuries, Macroradiography w as unsuitable for screening for occult scaphoid fractures.